History of Polynesian Tattoos

Polynesia was a group of islands in the central and southern Pacific Ocean. They used share a common language, culture and history including the age old tradition of tattooing. They were good sailors and used stars to calculate the time at night. Polynesian tattoos were considered honourable and the first tattoo a man got in Polynesia marked the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood. Since Polynesians weren't big on writing, they passed on this art through generations as an alternate record of their culture and tradition. tattoos in Polynesia also depicted social status in society and genealogy as well.

When the Christian missionaries arrived in Polynesia in the 1700's, they strictly banned the art of tattooing. But since the 1980's Polynesians revived the art as they take much pride in their rich culture and heritage and for them tattooing is a long standing tradition, they also started reviving many of their other lost arts. The Polynesian men and women got their buttocks and back of their thighs inked in thin black lines that represented different figures to them. The women also dyed their loins and buttocks blue in colour. tattooing was only performed by shamans who were old and experienced in this art, but no else was allowed to do so.

Traditional Polynesian tattoos depicted the life on the island, the island in question, the person's history, social status, work and activities. Some tattoos were drawn for protection purposes, and others represented their ancestors, shamans and chiefs as well as gods. The more tattoos a person got, the more power, prestige and strength he/she was believed to have. Elaborate tattoos were only for chiefs and warriors. If someone had no tattoos that person was looked down upon and not worth interacting with.

The first tattoo a girl received was at the age of twelve on her right hand, only then was she allowed to cook and prepare the dead. Women usually got less elaborate tattoos than men and were usually inked onto their arms, hands, feet, lips and chin, a chief's wife was allowed to get a tattoo on her leg as well. Some of the most popular Polynesian tattoo designs were dolphins, sharks, their god Tiki, turtles, etc. Some of the popular designs of Polynesian tattoos and the meanings associated with them are as follows:

* Gecko - It was believed to hold supernatural powers and was feared by all Polynesians, it was thought to bring illness, bad luck and omen with it.

* Sharks - It was believed to bring on protection against enemies, mostly fishermen and warriors got it.

* Shells - It was believed to bring on prosperity and wealth.

* Turtles - It was believed to bring on a healthy long life and fertility.

polynesian tattoo design and meaning

The Polynesian islands (which are located on the Pacific Ocean) have been a popular tourist destination for Americans and Europeans as well. The mysticism that surrounds these cultures is so unique that it easily charms people. Polynesian people developed a distinct mythology and traditions from any known cultures, which makes us curious about them.

Unfortunately, many pieces of art have perished since the discovery of Polynesia in 1500, as missionaries arrived and waged war with the native inhabitants. This is sad, as Polynesians had a developed tradition of tattooing, and actually the word "tattoo" derives from a word of theirs, meaning "to strike".

Speaking of Polynesian tats, we can differentiate between two basic kinds of them: the Enata, and the Etua. Enata are natural designs that represent a person's standing in the society, deeds, origins, occupation, etc. So a fisherman most likely received a tattoo which protected him from sharks and showed his occupation.

The second kind - Etua tattoos - carry a much deeper meaning, which can be religious and magical. These designs could show reverence to particular persons inside the tribe or could serve as a charm, by which gods gave the wearer luck.

Of course in modern tattooing circles the old meanings are not that important, as most of us don't have anything in common with Polynesian culture. They look good enough though for many people to opt for a tattoo like this. It especially fits on the arms, sometimes reaching to the chest. The design consists usually of circles, lines and knots which go in line with each other, sometimes bending away from each other.

polynesian tattoo designs

Maori tattoo design was actually extracted from the Polynesian tattoo designs. Like the Maori designs, Polynesian designs have this distinctive design that attracts the human eye. Polynesia is a group of islands over the Pacific Ocean. It is where these designs originated.

So let us say these groups of islands have the same tradition about tattooing. Since Polynesia is the original birth mark of art of tattooing, it teaches us the true meaning of the art. It takes us to the place where the art of tattoo is being held sacred to its people. The art of tattooing has this special meaning for them.

Maybe for us, having a tattoo is just an art, or it is just a hobby or pleasure for us. But with these people the art of tattooing shows status, rank, history, family and even spirituality. There is no more great importance for the people of Polynesia than having their body or face tattooed. For them it is courage, it is strength, it is royalty.

That is why most men of those early times have tattoos. It is a symbol of respect and social class for them.

Now in our modern times, the art of tattooing mostly signifies our personality traits or important events that happened to us. It can be also of religious matter or a memento. Polynesian tattoo designs have almost the same symbolism, from the earlier times until now.

Well some of those symbols nowadays are not known especially if one doesn't know the history of it. The way of tattooing also has changed. From those chisel materials to ink and needles. But as far as tattooing is concerned, it retains its beauty and style of artwork. It retains the originality of coming up designs that can suit the body. tattoo designs are ornaments of the body.

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